Lakers' Luka Doncic Jokes About NBA Retirement Timeline Compared to LeBron James in Video

Despite playing next to LeBron James for the past 12 months, Luka Dončić doesn't seem like he wants to follow in his footsteps as far as playing into his 40s goes.

Appearing on SportsCenter as part of the NBA All-Star festivities, Dončić joked that he's "definitely not" playing in the NBA when he is 41 years old.

"Definitely not 41, Dončić said when asked about his retirement timeline (5:20 mark). "I'm not playing playing until 41, I'll tell you that."

James, who turned 41 on Dec. 30, has been the oldest active player in the NBA since the 2023-24 season.

Chris Paul's retirement announcement on Friday leaves James as the league's only active player aged 40 or older. Kyle Lowry will join him on the list when he turns 40 on March 25.

Dončić, who turns 27 on Feb. 28, still has plenty of time left in his prime before needing to even think about retirement. Playing next to James with the Los Angeles Lakers has only enhanced his profile.

The six-time All-Star is averaging an NBA-high 32.8 points, along with 8.6 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game in 42 starts for the Lakers. He has them off to a 33-21 start this season, fifth in the Western Conference at the All-Star break.

James continues to dazzle even at this late stage of his legendary career. His final game before the break saw him become the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double with 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in a win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday.